Haxhi Shala and Sabit Januzi have admitted intimidation of a witness and obstruction in plea agreements with the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO).
The accused are charged with intimidation during criminal proceedings and obstructing official persons in performing official duties.
In response to the agreements, Specialist Prosecutor Kimberly West said: “It is testament to the strength of our investigations on intimidation and obstruction-of-justice matters that the office was in a position to conclude these agreements.
“We did so after careful consideration, which took account, among other things, of the importance of admissions of responsibility in this context, the benefits of reaching early closure in a fair manner, and the views of the victims.”
The Specialist Prosecutor also pledged to maintain obstruction-of-justice investigations to ensure the integrity of proceedings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC).
“The SPO will continue to both vigorously pursue all those who seek to interfere with the administration of justice and stand up for victims and witnesses in Kosovo,” Ms West said.
The trial of Messrs Shala and Januzi, together with Ismet Bahtijari, had been scheduled to open on 14 November 2024.